Public Funeral Announced for Fallen Grand Prairie Officer

Funeral arrangements were announced for a Grand Prairie police officer who was killed last week in a crash on the Bush Turnpike.A memorial service for Officer Albert "A.J." Castaneda will be held Thursday, June 13 at The Potter's House in Dallas, police said. The public is invited to attend.Castaneda, 38, was killed June 7 while running radar on the turnpike. He was standing outside of his SUV on the inside shoulder of the Dickey Road overpass, when a Nissan heading north on the turnpike lost control and struck his vehicle. The collision threw Castaneda from the overpass to the ground about 20 feet below, police said.Castaneda, a five-year veteran of the department, was a Grand Prairie native who enjoyed serving his hometown. Hundreds of mourners gathered Sunday for a vigil in Castaneda's honor.He was remembered as a passionate officer who loved his community."He gave back as good, or better, than any officer that I've ever seen in my 35 years," Grand Prairie police chief Steve Dye told reporters June 7.Castaneda's memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday. The Potter's House is located at 6777 W. Kiest Boulevard.  Continue reading...